Input please on southern Utah trip
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Can't help you with news, but here's an idea ... could you call one of the motels in the area and ask them? Or maybe there's a local newspaper or station that has a website with traffic info?
Did find this though: http://www.nps.gov/zion/parknews/zio...n-schedule.htm
I checked Google Earth and a detour would be a real long trip, plus it sounds like a waste of time ... the construction is IN the park from what I can tell.
Did find this though: http://www.nps.gov/zion/parknews/zio...n-schedule.htm
I checked Google Earth and a detour would be a real long trip, plus it sounds like a waste of time ... the construction is IN the park from what I can tell.
Last edited by PCDoc54; Sep 7, 2010 at 10:15 AM. Reason: Added link.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,480
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From: Santa Fe NM
That one is on my bucket list... Been to the area several times but never had the time to ride it.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 95
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From: Goodyear, AZ/SoCal Desert
Just got back Sunday from a Grand Canyon, Kanab, Zion trip. Hwy 9 was almost entirely dirt, but is open during daylight hours. There are two temporary stoplights on what seemed to be 10 minute timers at two points where the road goes down to a single lane, and the long tunnel was single lane and flagman-controlled.
That being said, the dirt part was not too bad and the park is beautiful. Not sure it lived up to the $24 entrance fee for 15 miles of dirt road and parked traffic, but that could just be because we were at the Grand Canyon the day before and nothing quite compares.
This picture shows what most of the road looked like Saturday afternoon.
That being said, the dirt part was not too bad and the park is beautiful. Not sure it lived up to the $24 entrance fee for 15 miles of dirt road and parked traffic, but that could just be because we were at the Grand Canyon the day before and nothing quite compares.
This picture shows what most of the road looked like Saturday afternoon.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Just got back Sunday from a Grand Canyon, Kanab, Zion trip. Hwy 9 was almost entirely dirt, but is open during daylight hours. There are two temporary stoplights on what seemed to be 10 minute timers at two points where the road goes down to a single lane, and the long tunnel was single lane and flagman-controlled.
That being said, the dirt part was not too bad and the park is beautiful. Not sure it lived up to the $24 entrance fee for 15 miles of dirt road and parked traffic, but that could just be because we were at the Grand Canyon the day before and nothing quite compares.
That being said, the dirt part was not too bad and the park is beautiful. Not sure it lived up to the $24 entrance fee for 15 miles of dirt road and parked traffic, but that could just be because we were at the Grand Canyon the day before and nothing quite compares.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 95
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From: Goodyear, AZ/SoCal Desert
It wasn't too bad for the most part. There was one section where they had recently watered it down but I followed the tracks of the car in front of me and no issues. 2-3 MPH for the most part through the worst areas was all, but the only things that truly sucked were the stop lights.
Other than dust, the bike wasn't too dirty at all. It took us about an hour to go the approx. 15 miles from the gate off of 89 to Springdale.
Other than dust, the bike wasn't too dirty at all. It took us about an hour to go the approx. 15 miles from the gate off of 89 to Springdale.
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 56
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From: Kenilworh, UT
Welcome to Utah. You are going to have a great trip. Everywhere you go here you will be welcome and treated good. You have a good trip planned but don't worry about keeping to the plan. In the towns of Moab, Monticello, Kanab, Panguitch and Hanksville you will have no problem finding a motel room. There is no need to do the Moki Dugway or the Burr trail. There is nothing of value on those roads except the condition of the road and you did not buy a 2011 HD to do those roads. You are going to see enough if you stay on the roads you belong on. Go into Zion and don't worry about the road, they will be paving fast now and the road will be well mantained even in the dirt parts. You don't want to miss a tunnel with windows in it. All of the vista points on the North Rim are great, do them all! Capital Reef is mostly an off road park, there is one paved spur in and out but you can miss it if you need to make up time. Between Hanksville and Blanding going back there is the Natural Bridges NM, If you have a parks pass it is real easy to go through, nice loop. But you are missing the most beautiful vista in Utah. That is the north area of Canyonlands called Island in the Sky / The Grand View. Do it if you have time. All the roads you are going on are good. This is open range for cattle and sheep. Mule deer are out and about all day and they are big. Just be aware that this is a semi wilderness and be careful. I envy you for seeing all this for the first time, take your time and enjoy it. Happy trails
Last edited by hiwaytime; Sep 9, 2010 at 10:13 AM. Reason: spelling
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 95
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From: Goodyear, AZ/SoCal Desert
Traffic going from 89 to Springdale was much, much lighter than coming from Springdale towards the 89.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
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From: Indianapolis, IN
When we go from Zion toward Bryce I was thinking about trying to stop by Cedar Breaks. Take 14 in from 89 and then go out on 143 back to 89. According to the ride planner, that would add 1 1/4 hours riding time to that day's leg. What do you think about this side trip?
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
We left Las Vegas on Monday June 21st of this year and rode to Escalante, UT. Left too late in the day as NOBODY sleeps in Vegas! We stopped at Zion Harley Davidson in Washington, UT (Saint George suburb). They were very helpful there, and at that time the road into Zion Park was closed durring the day for construction. Sounds like they are still working on it. Went North through Bryce Canyon instead and it was awsome!!! Wish we had left sooner to make our next stop. Very scenic and twisty riding! Stayed at the Circle D Hotel in Escalante. Very nice clean place with new beds. The restaurant connected to it is spendy but has good food. There is a roaming bike mechanic in Escalante as well. Has a little shop in town and has quite the inventory of both American and Jap parts and he's able to fabricate parts as well. I'm envious, as I will go back to do that ride again!! Have fun!